Masonic Temple to discuss bankruptcy reports

DETROIT (AP) -- The operators of Detroit's Masonic Temple say they plan to discuss reports that its owners filed for bankruptcy protection, just weeks after musician Jack White paid a $142,000 back tax bill for the historic venue.

The Detroit News reported Wednesday that the Chapter 11 filing was made in the past week.

Temple manager Steve Genther told The Associated Press on Wednesday morning, however, that the Masonic Temple hasn't sought bankruptcy protection. He says additional details won't be available until a planned news conference at the facility.

The money from White to pay the Masonic Temple's 2010-2012 tax delinquency prevented a threatened auction of the venue where The Who and the Rolling Stones once played. At the time, the 14-story Masonic Temple was days away from being put up for sale.